This application relates to the transfer of audio data, and in particular to the verification that data transmitted to a data processing module, such as voice biometric module (111), did originate from a microphone. A microphone authentication apparatus (204) is described having a first input for receiving analogue audio signals from a microphone transducer (201) and an analogue-to-digital converter (202) coupled to said first input for generating digital microphone data based on the received audio signals. A data authentication module (203) generates an authentication certificate (MAC) for certifying that the digital microphone data did pass via the authentication module. The authentication certificate is based on the digital microphone data (DM) and an authentication module key. An output module outputs a digital microphone audio signal based on the digital microphone data with the authentication certificate.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An audio system comprising: a microphone authentication apparatus, the microphone authentication apparatus comprising: a first input for receiving analogue audio signals from a microphone transducer; an analogue-to-digital converter coupled to said first input for generating digital microphone data based on the received audio signals; a data authentication module for generating an authentication certificate for certifying that the digital microphone data did pass via the authentication module, wherein the data authentication module generates the authentication certificate based on the digital microphone data and an authentication module key; and an output module for outputting a digital microphone audio signal based on the digital microphone data with the authentication certificate; the audio system further comprising: a first data processing module for receiving input digital data, wherein said first data processing module may be configured to receive a digital microphone audio signal; wherein the first data processing module is a voice biometric user authentication module for verifying whether the received digital microphone data corresponds to the voice of a registered user; and wherein said first data processing module comprises a data verification module for verifying whether the digital microphone audio signal comprises digital audio data with an accompanying authentication certificate that indicates that the received digital microphone data was authenticated by said data authentication module; wherein the microphone authentication apparatus comprises a first signal processing module for applying a compression function and a second signal processing module for applying a decompression function, wherein the first signal processing module is configured to process the digital microphone data to generate first processed digital microphone data and the second processing module is configured to process the first processed digital microphone data to generate second processed digital microphone data, wherein the data authentication module is configured to generate the authentication certificate based on the second processed digital microphone data having been processed by both the first signal processing module and then the second signal processing module, and wherein the output module outputs the first processed digital microphone data as the digital microphone audio signal.
This invention relates to an audio system designed to authenticate microphone data to ensure its integrity and origin before processing. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized or tampered audio data being used in voice biometric authentication, which could compromise security. The core component is a microphone authentication apparatus that receives analog audio signals from a microphone transducer and converts them into digital data using an analog-to-digital converter. A data authentication module then generates an authentication certificate for the digital microphone data, using an authentication module key to certify that the data has passed through the authentication module. The system also includes a voice biometric user authentication module that verifies whether the received digital microphone data matches a registered user's voice. Before authentication, the system checks if the digital audio signal includes an authentication certificate confirming the data was processed by the authentication module. The system further includes signal processing modules for compression and decompression. The digital microphone data is first processed by a compression function to generate compressed data, which is then decompressed to restore the original signal. The authentication certificate is generated based on the decompressed data, ensuring that the data has undergone both compression and decompression before certification. The output module then provides the compressed digital microphone data as the final output, maintaining data integrity throughout the process. This approach ensures that only authenticated and unaltered audio data is used for voice biometric authentication, enhancing security in audio processing systems.
2. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the voice biometric user authentication module is configured to not verify the received digital microphone data as corresponding to the voice of a registered user if the received digital microphone data is not verified as having been authenticated by said data authentication module.
This invention relates to an audio system with enhanced security features for voice biometric user authentication. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized access through voice commands by ensuring that voice authentication is only performed on data that has been previously verified as authentic. The audio system includes a voice biometric user authentication module that processes digital microphone data to authenticate a user's voice. However, this module is configured to reject the authentication process if the digital microphone data has not been authenticated by a separate data authentication module. The data authentication module verifies the integrity and origin of the digital microphone data before it reaches the voice biometric module, preventing unauthorized or tampered data from being processed. This dual-layer authentication approach enhances security by ensuring that only trusted data is used for voice recognition, reducing the risk of spoofing or unauthorized access. The system is particularly useful in environments where secure voice-controlled access is required, such as smart home devices, financial services, or enterprise security systems. The invention improves upon existing voice authentication systems by adding an additional verification step, making it more robust against attacks.
3. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 comprising a microphone transducer coupled to said first input for generating said analogue audio signals.
An audio system is designed to process and amplify audio signals, particularly for applications requiring high-fidelity sound reproduction. The system addresses the challenge of accurately capturing and converting acoustic signals into electrical form for further processing. A key component of this system is a microphone transducer, which is directly coupled to an input stage. The transducer converts ambient sound waves into analogue audio signals, which are then processed by the system. The microphone transducer is optimized for sensitivity and frequency response, ensuring that the captured audio signals are faithful to the original sound source. This component works in conjunction with other system elements, such as amplifiers and signal processors, to deliver clear and distortion-free audio output. The integration of the microphone transducer ensures that the system can handle both live audio input and pre-recorded signals, making it versatile for various applications, including professional audio equipment, consumer electronics, and communication devices. The design emphasizes signal integrity from the initial capture stage, reducing noise and interference to enhance overall audio quality.
4. The audio system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the microphone transducer, analogue-to-digital converter and data authentication module are formed within a digital microphone package.
This invention relates to an audio system designed to enhance security and integrity in digital audio capture. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized tampering or alteration of audio data during recording, transmission, or storage by integrating authentication mechanisms directly into the audio capture process. The audio system includes a microphone transducer for capturing sound waves and converting them into electrical signals. An analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) then digitizes these signals for processing. A data authentication module generates cryptographic hashes or digital signatures to verify the authenticity and integrity of the captured audio data. These components are integrated into a compact digital microphone package, ensuring that the audio data is authenticated at the point of capture, minimizing vulnerabilities to tampering. The system may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) to preprocess the audio data before authentication, such as noise reduction or filtering. The authentication module can use symmetric or asymmetric cryptographic techniques to generate verifiable proofs of data integrity. The integrated design ensures that the audio data remains secure from the moment of capture, providing a tamper-evident recording solution suitable for applications requiring high security, such as legal proceedings, forensic evidence, or secure communications.
5. The audio system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the microphone transducer, analogue-to-digital converter and data authentication module are formed as an integrated circuit.
This invention relates to an audio system designed to enhance security and integrity in audio data capture and transmission. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized tampering or alteration of audio signals, which is critical in applications requiring high reliability, such as legal evidence, surveillance, or secure communications. The audio system includes a microphone transducer for capturing sound waves and converting them into electrical signals. An analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) then digitizes these signals for processing. A data authentication module verifies the integrity of the digitized audio data, ensuring it has not been altered during transmission or storage. The system is optimized for real-time operation, allowing immediate detection of any unauthorized modifications. A key feature of this invention is the integration of the microphone transducer, ADC, and data authentication module into a single integrated circuit (IC). This consolidation reduces the system's physical footprint, improves energy efficiency, and minimizes potential points of failure or tampering. By combining these components on a single chip, the system ensures seamless and secure audio data handling from capture to authentication. The integrated design also enhances reliability and simplifies manufacturing and deployment.
6. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data authentication module comprises a hash module for performing a hash algorithm on the digital microphone data and a signing module for signing a hash value derived from the hash algorithm using the authentication module key.
This invention relates to audio systems with enhanced data authentication for digital microphone signals. The system addresses the problem of ensuring the integrity and authenticity of audio data in digital microphone systems, which is critical for applications requiring high security, such as voice authentication, secure communications, or forensic audio analysis. Unauthorized tampering or corruption of audio data can lead to security breaches or misinterpretation of critical information. The audio system includes a digital microphone that captures and converts analog audio signals into digital microphone data. A data authentication module is integrated into the system to verify the authenticity of this digital data. The authentication module includes a hash module that applies a cryptographic hash algorithm to the digital microphone data, generating a unique hash value. This hash value is then processed by a signing module, which signs the hash using an authentication module key. The signed hash serves as a digital signature, ensuring that the digital microphone data has not been altered and confirming its origin. The authentication module key is a cryptographic key used to generate and verify the digital signature. The system may also include a verification module to validate the signed hash using the same or a corresponding key, ensuring the integrity of the audio data during transmission or storage. This approach prevents unauthorized modifications to the audio data, providing a secure and reliable audio processing solution. The invention is particularly useful in environments where data integrity and authenticity are paramount, such as secure communication systems, digital forensics, and biometric authentication.
7. The audio system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the data authentication module is configured to derive an initial hash value from the hash algorithm and to pad said initial hash value to generate a padded hash value, wherein the signing module signs the padded hash value.
This invention relates to an audio system with enhanced data authentication for secure audio processing. The system addresses the problem of ensuring the integrity and authenticity of audio data in transmission or storage, preventing unauthorized modifications or tampering. The audio system includes a data authentication module and a signing module. The data authentication module generates an initial hash value using a cryptographic hash algorithm, such as SHA-256, to create a unique digital fingerprint of the audio data. This initial hash value is then padded to a specific length, typically to meet cryptographic standards or to align with block cipher requirements. The signing module subsequently signs the padded hash value using a digital signature scheme, such as RSA or ECDSA, to produce a cryptographic signature. This signature can later be verified to confirm the authenticity and integrity of the audio data. The system ensures that any alteration to the audio data would result in a mismatched signature, thus detecting tampering. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high security, such as digital rights management, secure communication, or forensic audio analysis.
8. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the output module comprises a data encoder for encoding the digital microphone data in the digital microphone audio signal with the authentication certificate.
This invention relates to an audio system designed to enhance the security and integrity of digital microphone audio signals. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized tampering or spoofing of audio data in communication or recording applications by embedding authentication certificates directly into the digital microphone audio signal. The system includes a microphone for capturing audio, an output module for processing the captured audio, and a data encoder within the output module. The data encoder embeds an authentication certificate into the digital microphone audio signal, ensuring that the audio data can be verified as authentic and untampered. The authentication certificate may include cryptographic information, such as digital signatures or certificates, to validate the origin and integrity of the audio signal. This embedded authentication allows receiving devices to verify the authenticity of the audio data, preventing unauthorized modifications or spoofing. The system is particularly useful in secure communication systems, forensic audio applications, and any scenario where audio data integrity is critical. By integrating the authentication process directly into the output module, the system ensures seamless and robust protection of the audio signal from the point of capture.
9. The audio system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the data encoder outputs the authentication certificate in a predefined bit arrangement with respect to the digital audio data or via a side channel or data transport mechanism of a digital data transfer protocol.
This invention relates to audio systems with enhanced security features, specifically focusing on the secure transmission and authentication of digital audio data. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized tampering or alteration of audio data during transmission by incorporating an authentication mechanism that verifies the integrity and authenticity of the audio content. The audio system includes a data encoder that processes digital audio data and generates an authentication certificate. This certificate is used to confirm that the audio data has not been altered and that it originates from a trusted source. The data encoder outputs the authentication certificate in a predefined bit arrangement relative to the digital audio data, ensuring that the certificate is embedded within the audio stream in a structured manner. Alternatively, the certificate can be transmitted via a side channel or a dedicated data transport mechanism within a digital data transfer protocol, providing flexibility in how the authentication information is conveyed. The system also includes a data decoder that receives the digital audio data and the authentication certificate. The decoder verifies the certificate to confirm the integrity and authenticity of the audio data before processing or playback. This verification step ensures that only unaltered and authenticated audio content is used, enhancing security in audio transmission and playback environments. The system is particularly useful in applications where secure audio distribution is critical, such as digital rights management (DRM), secure communication systems, and authenticated media streaming.
10. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first data processing module comprises a third signal processing module configured to apply said first function to the received digital microphone data and wherein the data verification module receives data output from said third signal processing module.
This invention relates to an audio system designed to process and verify digital microphone data. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring the integrity and accuracy of audio signals in applications where data verification is critical, such as voice recognition, communication systems, or audio analysis. The audio system includes a first data processing module that receives digital microphone data. Within this module, a third signal processing module applies a predefined function to the received data, transforming or conditioning it for further use. The processed data is then sent to a data verification module, which checks the output for errors, inconsistencies, or other anomalies. This verification step ensures that the audio data meets specified quality or security standards before being used in subsequent operations. The system may also include additional components, such as a second data processing module that performs complementary processing tasks, and a data transmission module that sends the verified data to external devices or systems. The overall design emphasizes robust signal processing and verification to enhance reliability in audio applications.
11. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data verification module is configured to verify whether an authentication certificate accompanying digital audio data is valid using a verification module key corresponding to the authentication module key and the system is configured to update the authentication module key and corresponding verification module key over time.
This invention relates to an audio system designed to enhance the security and integrity of digital audio data transmission. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized access, tampering, or playback of digital audio content by implementing a robust authentication and verification mechanism. The audio system includes an authentication module that generates an authentication certificate for digital audio data using an authentication module key. This certificate is then used to verify the authenticity and integrity of the audio data during transmission or playback. A data verification module within the system checks the validity of the authentication certificate using a verification module key that corresponds to the authentication module key. The system is further configured to periodically update both the authentication module key and the verification module key over time, ensuring that the security of the audio data remains robust against evolving threats. This dynamic key update mechanism prevents unauthorized parties from gaining long-term access to the audio data or its authentication process. The system is particularly useful in environments where secure audio distribution is critical, such as in digital rights management (DRM) systems, streaming services, or secure communication platforms. By continuously refreshing the keys, the system mitigates risks associated with key compromise and ensures ongoing protection of the audio content.
12. The audio system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the audio system is configured to update the authentication module key and corresponding verification module key in response to at least one of: a defined number of one or more authentications of data; one or more instances of a voice trigger command being detected; and a key change command generated at periodic intervals.
The invention relates to an audio system with enhanced security features, specifically focusing on dynamic key management for authentication and verification modules. The system addresses security vulnerabilities in audio devices by periodically updating cryptographic keys to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. The audio system includes an authentication module and a verification module, each utilizing a unique key for secure communication. The keys are dynamically updated based on predefined triggers, such as a set number of successful authentications, detection of a voice trigger command, or a scheduled key change command. This ensures that even if a key is compromised, its validity is limited, reducing the risk of prolonged unauthorized access. The system improves security without requiring user intervention, making it suitable for smart speakers, voice assistants, and other audio devices handling sensitive data. The key update mechanism is automated and triggered by system events or time-based intervals, ensuring continuous protection against evolving security threats.
13. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data verification module comprises: a hash module for performing a hash algorithm on the received digital microphone data; a cryptographic module for processing a received authentication certificate using a verification module key; and a comparator for comparing a hash value derived from the hash algorithm with a signed hash value derived from the cryptographic module.
This invention relates to an audio system with enhanced data verification for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of digital microphone data. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized tampering or corruption of audio data in digital communication or recording applications, which can compromise security and reliability. The audio system includes a data verification module that validates the received digital microphone data before processing or transmission. The verification module comprises a hash module that performs a cryptographic hash algorithm on the received data to generate a hash value. A cryptographic module processes a received authentication certificate using a verification module key to extract a signed hash value. A comparator then compares the hash value derived from the hash module with the signed hash value obtained from the cryptographic module. If the values match, the data is deemed authentic and unaltered. This ensures that the audio data has not been tampered with during transmission or storage, enhancing the system's security and trustworthiness. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high levels of data integrity, such as secure communication, forensic audio analysis, and digital rights management.
14. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 comprising a data decoder for receiving the input digital microphone audio signal and separately outputting the received digital audio data and the authentication certificate.
The invention relates to an audio system designed to process digital microphone audio signals while ensuring data integrity and authentication. The system addresses the challenge of securely handling digital audio data, particularly in applications where tampering or unauthorized access could compromise the integrity of the recorded audio. The system includes a data decoder that receives an input digital microphone audio signal, which contains both the digital audio data and an embedded authentication certificate. The decoder processes the signal to separate and output the digital audio data and the authentication certificate independently. This separation allows for independent verification of the audio data's authenticity and integrity, ensuring that the audio has not been altered or tampered with. The authentication certificate may include cryptographic signatures or other verification mechanisms to validate the source and authenticity of the audio data. By integrating this functionality, the audio system enhances security in applications such as forensic audio analysis, secure communication systems, and digital recording devices where data integrity is critical. The system ensures that the audio data remains reliable and trustworthy, preventing unauthorized modifications and maintaining the authenticity of the recorded content.
15. The audio system as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of authentication modules, each authentication module associated with at least one microphone, wherein the verification module is configured to identify which of said plurality of authentication modules authenticated the received digital microphone data.
This invention relates to an audio system designed to enhance security and authentication in voice-based interactions. The system addresses the challenge of verifying the authenticity of audio signals in environments where multiple microphones or authentication modules may be present, ensuring that only authorized sources are processed. The audio system includes a verification module that processes digital microphone data to determine its origin. The system further comprises multiple authentication modules, each linked to at least one microphone. Each authentication module is responsible for validating the digital microphone data it receives, ensuring that only authenticated data is forwarded for further processing. The verification module then identifies which specific authentication module successfully authenticated the received data, allowing the system to track and verify the source of the audio input. This approach improves security by preventing unauthorized or tampered audio signals from being processed, particularly in applications such as voice recognition, secure communication, or access control systems. By associating each microphone with a dedicated authentication module and tracking the authentication source, the system ensures that only trusted audio inputs are accepted, reducing the risk of spoofing or unauthorized access. The modular design allows for scalability, enabling the system to accommodate additional microphones and authentication modules as needed.
16. The audio system as claimed in claim 15 further comprising a controller configured to select one of a plurality of signal processing settings for controlling signal processing to be applied to the received digital microphone data based on the identity of which of said plurality of authentication modules authenticated the received digital microphone data.
This invention relates to an audio system with enhanced security features for processing digital microphone data. The system addresses the challenge of securely handling audio data in environments where multiple authentication modules may be used to verify the integrity or origin of the received data. The system includes a controller that dynamically selects signal processing settings based on which authentication module successfully authenticated the digital microphone data. This ensures that the audio data is processed according to predefined security or quality parameters associated with the specific authentication method used. The system may also include a plurality of authentication modules, each configured to authenticate the received digital microphone data using different authentication techniques. The controller adjusts the signal processing parameters, such as noise reduction, compression, or encryption, based on the authentication module's identity to optimize performance or security. This approach allows the system to adapt its processing pipeline to the trust level or requirements of the authentication method, improving both security and audio quality. The invention is particularly useful in applications where audio data must be verified before processing, such as secure communication systems or biometric authentication.
17. A microphone authentication apparatus for use in the audio system of claim 1 comprising: a first input for receiving analogue audio signals from a microphone transducer; an analogue-to-digital converter coupled to said first input for generating digital microphone data based on the received audio signals; a data authentication module for generating an authentication certificate for certifying that the digital microphone data did pass via the authentication module, wherein the data authentication module generates the authentication certificate based on the digital microphone data and an authentication module key; and an output module for outputting a digital microphone audio signal based on the digital microphone data with the authentication certificate; wherein the microphone authentication apparatus comprises a first signal processing module for applying a compression function and a second signal processing module for applying a decompression function, wherein the first signal processing module is configured to process the digital microphone data to generate first processed digital microphone data and the second processing module is configured to process the first processed digital microphone data to generate second processed digital microphone data, wherein the data authentication module is configured to generate the authentication certificate based on the second processed digital microphone data having been processed by both the first signal processing module and then the second signal processing module, and wherein the output module outputs the first processed digital microphone data as the digital microphone audio signal.
This invention relates to a microphone authentication apparatus designed to verify the integrity and authenticity of audio signals in an audio system. The apparatus addresses the problem of ensuring that audio data captured by a microphone has not been tampered with during transmission or processing, which is critical for applications requiring high security, such as voice authentication, secure communications, or forensic audio analysis. The apparatus includes an input for receiving analog audio signals from a microphone transducer, which are then converted into digital microphone data by an analog-to-digital converter. A data authentication module generates an authentication certificate to certify that the digital microphone data has passed through the authentication module. This certificate is created using the digital microphone data and an authentication module key, ensuring that the data's integrity can be verified later. The apparatus also includes two signal processing modules: one for applying a compression function and another for applying a decompression function. The digital microphone data is first processed by the compression module to generate compressed data, which is then decompressed by the second module. The authentication certificate is generated based on the decompressed data, which has undergone both compression and decompression. The output module then provides the compressed data as the final digital microphone audio signal, ensuring that the authenticated data is in a compact form suitable for transmission or storage. This design ensures that any tampering with the audio data would invalidate the authentication certificate, providing a robust mechanism for verifying the authenticity of the microphone's output.
18. An electronic device comprising: a microphone; a voice biometric authentication module for verifying whether or not a user is a registered user by analysing voice audio data; and an authentication module in a signal path between the microphone and the voice biometric authentication module for generating an authentication certificate for audio data received from the microphone; wherein the authentication module is configured to process the audio data received from the microphone by applying a compression function followed by a decompression function prior to generating the authentication certificate.
This invention relates to electronic devices with voice biometric authentication systems. The problem addressed is ensuring the integrity and authenticity of voice data used for user verification, preventing tampering or spoofing attacks. The device includes a microphone for capturing audio input, a voice biometric authentication module to verify if the user is registered by analyzing the audio data, and an authentication module positioned between the microphone and the biometric module. The authentication module generates an authentication certificate for the received audio data. A key feature is that the authentication module processes the audio data by applying a compression function followed by a decompression function before generating the certificate. This processing step ensures that the audio data remains intact and unaltered during transmission, enhancing security. The compression and decompression functions may involve lossless or lossy techniques, depending on the implementation. The authentication certificate serves as proof that the audio data has not been tampered with, providing a secure foundation for the subsequent biometric verification process. This approach improves the reliability of voice-based authentication systems by preventing unauthorized modifications to the audio input.
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April 27, 2018
March 8, 2022
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